Pass it on

The Bible is foundational to our faith. But younger generations of New Zealanders are losing touch with the Bible.

We believe that every child and young person in New Zealand should have the opportunity to experience the Bible. We’re concerned that too few are getting that chance. That’s why we’ve launched the Pass it On campaign.

In 2015 and 2016, Bible Society undertook some research with Nielsen to help us understand what New Zealand children and young people know about the Bible and what helps them read it. This research revealed that more than a third of New Zealand children have never read, heard or seen the story of Jesus’ birth. Two thirds can’t recall the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and three quarters haven’t heard the story of the Good Samaritan.

But there is some good news too. Just under half of Kiwi parents think Bible stories are important for their children because they provide good values for life. And 40% of children indicated they’d like to read, hear or see more Bible stories.

Of those Kiwi youth that do engage with the Bible regularly, 68% were taught to read it by their parents and 62% wish they could read the Bible more.

This presents an incredible opportunity! Pass it On could be one of the most critical campaigns we’ve ever undertaken. It’s about helping secure the future of the Bible in New Zealand by ensuring it is shared and enjoyed by the next generation.

We want to get mums and dads, grandparents and caregivers all sharing the Bible with the children and youth in their lives. To address this major challenge with a tech-savvy young generation, we’re introducing a range of Bible applications (apps) to suit different age groups. This is backed up by our research that found many children would read, listen to, or watch Bible stories more often if they were on computers and tablets.

Check out our Pass It On videos and more of the resources we’ve developed below.

The Super Cool Story of Jesus

The Super Cool Story of Jesus is a beautiful little storybook designed to help you share the story of Jesus with your children. This fresh and fun retelling of the life of Jesus uses rhyming language by Welsh Poet Dai Woolridge and beautiful illustrations by Emma Randall.

Bible research – children and young people

In 2015 and 2016 we undertook some significant research with children and young people. Our 2015 Biblical Literacy Survey revealed what Kiwi kids think of the Bible, how much they know about it and what their parents think. In 2016 we researched Christian youth who do read the Bible. We wanted to find out more about why they read it and who taught them how to engage with the Bible. Both these research projects are free on application.

The Big Little Bible

We’ve developed a unique Bible resource for children aged between 8 and 11 called The Big Little Bible. Incorporating 30 of the most popular Bible stories, The Big Little Bible features beautiful illustrations from a Kiwi artist that capture imaginations through their single line style. The free app also features discussion questions for adults and kids and is available for download on the Apple and Google Play stores – just search for Big Little Bible. And now we’ve published all 30 stories with the illustrations in a hardback book, available from Bible Society for $19.99.

Bible Bedtime apps

To help parents and grandparents with younger children (5-7 years), we’ve developed the Bible Bedtime apps, now available free in the Apple and Google Play stores. These apps retell some of the most popular Bible stories with engaging illustrations and the ability to even upload your own illustrations to the app. Just search for Bible Bedtime in the app stores.

Youth leader discussion guide

A Bible reading plan for adults

Before anyone can pass on the Bible, it first needs to be important in their own life. This 23 day Bible reading plan is for those wanting some inspiration and help in developing a regular habit of Bible reading. Feel free to copy and share it with others.

Milestone packs

For children about to start school or ready for their first Bible, celebrate with our milestone packs that include a Bible or Bible storybook to gift along with a certificate, ideas for celebrating, and an equipping resource for parents.